You still have time to visit the Venice Biennale, until november 26 th exactly. We were there one month ago and I had few big crushes I wanted to share with you. Let’s start with the Giardini and my top 5 pavillions :

1° Switzerland : the pavilion is a tribute to Giacometti who actually never represented his country in the Biennale. The installation/ movie made Birchler and Hubbard moved us so deeply ! It’s about the forgotten love of the sculptor called Flora Mayo, which is also an edifying destiny of a woman artist coming from USA at the beginning of the century, thanks to the support of her family, until the crisis of 1929 ruined her artistic hopes and life… Nothing remains from her creations except a photograph of a wonderful bust she made of Giaco…I’m still haunted by her story.

3° France : The day we visited the Giardini was really magical as Nigel Godrich the producer of Radio head came to the pavilion-studio for a string session recording and the artist Xavier Veilhan was there too. Creation in motion.

4° Austria :up to you to activate famous Erwin Wurm one minute sculpture. Hilarious !

The german pavilion is out of competition if I could say as the excellent artist Anne Imhof choose to present an impressive live performance for the opening and ..nothing remains for it. Go and see it nevertheless.

pics coming soon…

In the Arsenale, my favorite works were :

1° Julien Charriere

2°Michelle Stuart

3°Ernesto Neto

4°Leonor Antunes

5°Kader Attia

6°Alicia Kwade

more text soon 😉

Don’t miss also these 2 pavilions in the Arsenale :

China

and the Georgian one with Vajiko Chachkhiani . Everyone is talking about his outstanding installation : a house where a non stoppable inside rain will ruin everything…

Big crush also for the nigeran pavilion, located in Scoletta dei Battioro e dei Tiraoro, a building from early 18th century, that was once home to Venice’s gold thread and gold leaf guild. Moreover this is the first participation of this country for the Biennale. Peju Alatise ‘s installation, evoking a yoruba tale is a must see ! Formal perfection and moving background with an actual echo of african female condition.

The best exhibitions to see in Venice :

1° Palazzo Fortuny and Axel Vervoordt choice. A must attend rendez-vous , the true spirit of connoisseurs, but, alas , the last edition… so Enjoy !!

2° Dont miss, next to Santa Maria dei Miracoli : Palazzo Soranzo van Axel, a new palazzo ,just refurbished , with a group show curated by Pouchkine museum. 2 excellent artworks to see there :

a magnetic video by David Claerbout about a strange wood.

an impressive sound installation by Yri Kalendarev that you can activate

3° Prada Foundation

more text and picas coming soon 😉

I invite yo to go on my Insta and turn the clock back to mid- august to see my post from Venice , including the Biennale @parisdeluxearty

The french master of sculpture died in 1917, one hundred year ago exactly, and this show curated by the actual director of Rodin Museum -Catherine Chevillot- and the former one- Antoinette Lenormand-Romain- ( they were both my teachers at Ecole du Louvre) demonstrate in a masterful way why and how Rodin was a forunner, a visionary, a tireless inventor who influenced generations of artists, from his time to today.

This exhibition which is not a classic retrospective will take you deep into the creative process of the artist who became himself a monument of french sculpture. The best tribute the curators can offer to Rodin to commemorate his true genius indeed and therefore a must see exhibition if you’re in Paris soon !

Superior part of the Doors of Hell with The thinker in the lintel.

Brancusi under the influence of Rodin with The sleep -1908

Anthony Gormley ‘s man standing.

2. Olga Picasso in Picasso museum

A very moving hommage to the first -official -wife of Picasso. They met in 1917 while the spanish painter was working with Les ballets Russes in Rome for the show “Parade”. She was a professional russian dancer , she was classy and beautiful, they fell in love in the eternal city and got married in Paris in 1918. She became his favorite model , depicted alone, reading, often thoughtful , or with their new born, Paul , showing lovely intimate moments of motherhood.

Unfortunately these quiet and happy times of domestic life won’t last …Olga was suffering in silence. First she felt powerless away from her family who endured the terrible repression from the october revolution in Russia -while she had an exciting worldly life in Paris-then she stopped dancing-the passion of her life- because of an injure and her pregnancy, and finally, the relationship with her husband crumbled, as the crual female portraits made by Picasso in the mid-20’s show it.

It was high time to devote an entire exhibition to Olga, who was actually almost unknown by the public at large . To answer to this exceptional event, the family lent not only paintings but also precious archives ( letters- photographs – documents), some of them exhibited for the first time, that shed a new light on Picasso’s works and life and reveals the odd and unique destiny of a russian woman in the early 20th century.

Olga with a mantilla – Barcelone 1917

Seven dancers with Olga on foreground- 1917

3. Gardens in Grand-Palais

Since the antiquity artists have always been inspired by nature and celebrated it through fine arts or decorative arts and even high end jewelry. Paintings, sculptures, artifacts, later photography, video, installation, created by the most outstanding artist of each great artistic period bear witness of it. This is exactly what this exhibition curated by talented director of Picasso museum , Laurent Le Bon, demonstrates with a selection of artworks from the Renaissance to today. You are invited to an exquisite promenade in company of Dürer, Klimt, Matisse, Fragonard, Monet , Cézanne, Cartier, Mellerio, to name but a few. This is a fabulous feel-good exhibition that will make you want to cultivate your own-real- garden !

This breathtaking exhibition is exceptional and unique in more ways than one. First, the collector himself : a russian moghul of textile in the ending 19th century, who formed his eyes traveling Asia, Africa and India, selecting motifs and managing stocks for the family company. He started to collect french Art when he was 44, thanks to his brother Ivan who settled down in Paris and introduced him to famous art dealer Durand-Ruel. Then the way he collected : he had a great intuition of what was important for the development of Art and acquired sometimes against his own taste works by Matisse or Picasso which were also highly contested by critics and public. It happened he wrote to Matisse : ” I hope I will like one day your work” ! Or said about Picasso : “He’s right, I’m wrong”. As soon as 1907 he had the project to offer his collection to Moscow and opened it to the public a year later, giving tours to amateurs he received in his splendid mansion-former Palace Troubetskoy-like the russian avant-garde including Malevitch, Larionov, Rodtchenko.. . Finally the destiny of the collection : after the October Revolution, it was nationalized, transformed, mixed with Morosov collection and then divided in 1948 between Moscow, in Pouchkine museum, and Saint Petersburg, in the Ermitage museum. Meanwhile Chtchoukine fled from Moscow in 1918 and settled down in Paris where he lived discreetly until his death in 1936, leaving his collection behind him for ever. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see half of the original ensemble gathered for the first time since it had been divided and to admire this unique journey of an outstanding project created only in 15 years for the essential, from 1898 to 1914, including famous masterpieces by Monet, Gauguin, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse… and telling the story of western modern art !

Gauguin-Vairumati Tei Oa – 1892

2) Magritte in Pompidou Center (until january 23rd)

If you still think that Magritte was a surrealist painter, run and see this clever exhibition that will surprise you !

The tone is set with 3 paintings exhibited at the entrance showing self-portraits ( or assimilated) as a philosopher. The belgium artist wanted to show that a painter was able to express ideas with images, calling into question this old conflict between words and images, established since the antiquity through the story of Moses and the Tables of Law, or the famous myth of grotto told by Platon, where images were always considered to be suspicious and under reality or truth. With his subversive humour and ability to create unexpected images, using a logical process only- almost mathematical- from 1932 onwards, which was by the way at the opposite of dream state and unconsciousness used by surrealist, Magritte wanted to evoke the mystery of life, present in our daily reality. Other topics, proper to art history and the creation of images are present in this exhibition, such as the importance of shadows in Magritte’s works, related to the story of Dibutade and the invention of portrait or the seek of perfect proportions through selection, fragmentation and recomposition where a parallel with Zeuxis (when he wanted to create the best portrait of Helena) is drawn.

Going back to the roots ! All about this legendary school that set up the golden rules of actual design and blossomed in 1919 in Germany, before being stopped by the accession to power of nazis in 1933. We start from sources of inspiration with mingei style in japan and Wiener werkstätte in Austria to finish with actual designers and fashion designers still under the influence of the mythic german mouvement who wanted to abolish borders between craftmanship and art, celebrating know-how and fine arts theories. Among the most renowned masters who taught there and left a strong print we find Kandinsky, Klee, Albers…The exhibition is complete and doesn’t forget to show also the relations of Bauhaus with modern dance and choreography. That makes ” The Spirit of Bauhaus” a must see in Paris !

We just come back from Montecarlo and that was a memorable and delicious stay ! We went there for the new Art Fair called ArtMontecarlo that took place in Grimaldi forum, very well located. 39 galleries participated, the major part were french, belgium, german, italian, among the best ones like Galleria Continua, Almine Rech Gallery, Tornabuoni, Laurent Godin, Eva Meyer, Nathalie Seroussi, In Situ…The selection was excellent, I invite you to see more pics on my Insta account : parisedeluxearty.

Dalinienne Empire – 1965

When I booked the hotel I didn’t hesitate : Hotel Metropole was my first and unique choice and I was so right ! The best atmosphere in Monaco thanks to Jacques Garcia signature : cosy, elegant, refined, stylish, arty without being too trendy, with an excellent good taste that unifies the ensemble. Actually you feel like living in a marvelous private mansion with a soul. A kind of best kept secret in Monaco ! I loved the warm library-bar for a drink with friends. The spa is very pleasant, relaxing, and the pool side a dream, moreover the lunch there was great with the best Pissaladiere I ever had ( french mediterranean specialty, kind of tart with glazed and roasted onions), without speaking of the xxl tiramisu to share for dessert (see pic below) !

The chef of the 2 hotel stared- restaurants is the famous and celebrated french big boss of haute cuisine : Joel Robuchon . His family name himself looks like a recipe or a french cheese 😉

We tried his amazing japanese restaurant called Yoshi , the first truly japanese restaurant launched by a french chef. Actually we were very lucky to have a table as this is not huge and always over booked, and I do understand why : this was just beyond ! many people in travel and luxury business are talking about experience but really, I can tell the difference between a promise and the reality and … you won’t be disappointed by the promise : this place is a true space and time capsule ! Everything was absolutely divine : the sushis (see 3rd pic below) were perfect, the king crab california rolls were the best I’ve ever had , the lacquered chicken was great…The decor is just breathtaking, totally mingei ( japonese minimalist, very aesthetic and functional) with an amazing chandelier floating above the table ( second pic below) overlooking a contemporary japonese garden (cf just below) . You’re just eating in an artwork !

The first evening after the opening of the Art Fair we had a dinner with art dealers and curators at Nobu in Fairmont hotel that I do recommend also. The flavors , the textures are another tasty experience. Great place for happy dinner with friends. sorry I don’ t have pics…

Among the mythical place to party the Jimmy’s is on the top list and we went there ! The famous auctioneer Simon de Pury, warmed up the house with his 80’s mix.

Many people think Monaco is artificial, superficial, all centered on real estate, cars, casino and diamonds…nobody thinks immediately about …museums or contemporary art centers and that’s a big mistake ! I tell you : The Rock- as we say in France- is becoming a place of interest for art lovers, thanks to the great personality of Marie-Claude Beaud, director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco ( NMNM), i.e the New National Museum of Monaco, including Villa Sauber (pic 1 below) – a magnificent villa from Belle Epoque time- showing a global artistic project by Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli called Villa Marlene, tribute to the divine Marlene Dietrich (2nd pic) , meanwhile Villa Paloma from 1013, located on the heights and offering a breathtaking view on the sea, houses hyper-realist sculptures by Duane Hanson- very freaky ones !- and Thomas Demand tricky images (4th pic). Do not miss also the video by Oscar Murillo called Meet me Mr Superman presented there.

So, no need to be a billionaire with a huge Yacht to enjoy Monaco as you can see. Art lovers will be more than satisfied by their stay 😉 and I already want to come back in this very Deluxe&Arty place !

Catchy and seductive, playful and dynamic, Derrick Adam’s works made of a knowledgeable technique of collage and strong sens of eurythmy and construction inherited from art history, talk also about a serious subject : the question of afro-american identity and its presentations, especially in media.

pic 1- from LiVE and IN COLOR series , 2015 / pic 2 from Gray Area series, 2015

Either facing us or back turned, the model won’t reveal her face, nevertheless we recognize the wife of Manet in white on left (original at Orsay museum). I’m a fan of the oil/ cardboards series After the masters in small scale. His style is synthetic and allusive without being rigid or stiff. Thanks to his mastery of medium he achieves to render beauty and sensuality.

A powerful neon light installation covering the whole wall with the demand Remember me by different handwritings welcome the visitor in the first room on ground level, while downstairs two movies, projected on double side screen, talks about life and death. “I want to put the public in a situation where everyone becomes acutely sensitive to themselves, to their body and respiration,” says Steve McQueen.

Destinations

A Paris Insider Shares

Her Secrets

Luxury Travel Magazine interviews Anne Muraro, Paris tour guide of choice for A-List celebs, Middle East royals, sports stars and the like.Muraro is an art historian, art advisor and personal shopper in Paris since 2000. She was recently referenced by American Express Centurion in their Paris City Guide. Her VIP clients include: Eva Mendes (pictured above with Muraro in the Louvre museum), Denise Richards, Robert Downey Jr., Will Smith’s family, Kobe Bryant, HRH Princess Victoria of Sweden, Al Nahyan family, among many others.

Luxury Travel Magazine’s interview with Anne Muraro:

How do you proceed in order to create personalized tours for your clients ?

I try to obtain the maximum of information about their tastes. Concerning a city tour for example, I ask them if they prefer architecture, fine arts, history…About fine arts if they prefer modern art, contemporary art or old masters, then I build the perfect tour corresponding to their interests. The same for museums, if they want the highlights or if they want to explore an artistic trend through Parisian museums, for example, an impressionist tour included not only Orsay, but also Marmottan collection and Orangerie, and why not a journey to Monet’s home in Giverny?

How can you surprise visitors who had already been to Paris many times ?

Usually, the best way is by going on “off the beaten path” walking tours. My favorite starts in the gardens of the Palais Royal near the Louvre and leads us to the Paris Opera house, through the covered passageways created in the early 19th century (around 1830 for the most part). They are classified national heritage sights with vintage decor (mosaics, glass roof, sculptures). They have become trendy with many bistros and boutiques, so it’s the perfect blend of history and contemporary Parisian life. Another way to surprise visitors: my special gourmet tour! It’s a selection of the best places for wines, cheeses, chocolate, fine groceries, where we can taste the best products. It’s another way to speak about french history, visiting street markets or the oldest french pastry shop on one hand and discovering contemporary talents like Pierre Hermé on the other hand. (By the way I gave tours to Pierre Hermé his winter!)

So you’re an art historian, art advisor for collectors, and personal shopper specializing in high fashion and jewelry, but are you able to advise people about restaurants and hotels for their stay ?

Of course! Hotels and restaurants are my passions too! I know all the palace hotels and their restaurants very well, since I’ve been working with them for 11 years now and I’m able to recommend the best places for the best stay.